Experts Implore Federal Government To Implement Internationally-backed Cyber Laws

Nigerian cyber tech specialists have advised the Federal Government to adopt internationally-backed cyber laws in its bid to reduce the rate of cybercrimes in the country.

This request was made during a virtual conference organised by the Old Students Association of Federal Government College, Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

One of the spokesperson at the conference — Ms. Temitayo Akande — emphasised that the government must implement effective policies to regulate cyber-attacks and protect people’s private information on the internet. It is worthy to note the Ms. Akande is the Head of Legal and Compliance, Black Pelican Group. She also said that the adoption of internationally-backed cyber laws would enhance the efficacy of cyber laws in the country.

“Cyber laws are adopted to protect internet users and prevent the occurrence of cybercrimes. The Federal Government must improve its efforts to eliminate cybercrimes by organising seminar programmes and further enlighten its citizens on the basics of cybersecurity. Additionally, Nigerian citizens should not show greed. The first stage of protection on the internet in one’s self — it is important to be wary of the sites we open,” she addressed.

Ms. Akande did not end her speech without addressing victims of cyberattacks. She advised those who have been victims of cyber fraud to talk to experts about their next line of action.

According to her, phishing scams, identity theft, Internet Fraud, Online intellectual property infringement, and cyberstalking are the top five most popular cybercrimes in Nigeria.

Another spokesperson at the virtual conference was an EFCC official, Mr. Olamide Sadiq. According to him, the most popular cybercrimes the commission has resolved range from POS fraud, ATM Card fraud, and stealing from people’s bank accounts with the help of bank workers, etc.

Mr. Sadiq said that internet fraudsters would steal the ATM Card details of individuals and use them to make POS transactions.

“They disable phone alerts so owners won’t know that their accounts have been compromised. People should stop carrying out financial transactions on social media because they could easily get scammed,” he expressed.

Another cybersecurity specialist at the virtual event — Mr. Abimbola Jaiyeola — emphasised the importance of self-education in the aspect of cybersecurity since cyber attacks constantly evolve. He said that been informed about the latest happenings in the cyber world is extremely important in stopping cyber threats.

According to Mr. Abimbola, the Federal Government can reduce the rate of cyber attacks by educating and updating its citizens on the latest trends in the cyberspace.

“The Federal Government should implement regulations and guidelines that promote the positive utilization of the world wide web, and prosecuting cyber attackers accordingly,” Mr. Abimbola said.

Another tech expert who spoke at the conference — Mr. Segun Adeyemi — emphasised that internet users should abstain from using free VPNs for financial purposes, to avoid being victims of cyberattacks.

“Do not use apps containing sensitive information when your VPN is switched on,” he said.

He also encouraged the government to implement internationally-backed policies to make it easier for cyber thieves to be prosecuted.